Why did so many Irish immigrants come to Canada in the 1840s?

Many Irish immigrants came to Canada in the 1840s primarily due to the Great Famine, which devastated Ireland between 1845 and 1852. The famine led to widespread starvation and economic hardship, prompting thousands to seek better opportunities abroad. Canada, with its promise of land and employment, became an attractive destination for those fleeing the dire conditions in Ireland. Additionally, the British colonial policies and the existing Irish diaspora in Canada facilitated their migration.